Melissa Rivers on Tuesday night spoke of her mother Joan Rivers’ pride in being Jewish upon accepting the ‘Warrior for Truth’ Award on behalf of the late comedian at The Algemeiner‘s ‘Jewish 100’ Gala in New York City.

“Not only was my mother proud of her Jewish heritage but she was also fearless and vocal, just a beyond vocal supporter of the state of Israel. Especially at a time when it was not popular to be so and others were shying away from publicly lending their voices for fear of criticism,” Melissa said at the star-studded event, which drew a crowd of 500 to the Capitale on Bowery.

The late entertainer’s pride in her Jewish identity was known around the world Melissa said, and noted that immediately after her mother’s passing in September 2014, she received many notices and letters from those who loved her mother. Melissa added, “a ridiculous amount of trees were planted in Israel in her honor.”

“My mother was, clearly, always very passionate about Israel and Judaism… and it really was not in her nature to keep those feelings, or any feelings for those matter, to herself,” Melissa said.

Other honorees at the event included philanthropists Joseph and Deborah Aronow, tycoon Donald Trump and speaker of the Knesset Yuli Edelstein.